Winter X Games 15 Halfpipe Recap and Photos

Can you say Shaun White show? Apparently Shaun White is the 2nd most marketable athlete in the world, and ESPN obviously realizes that. Want to know how Shaun can go so high in the pipe? ESPN breaks it down with one of their sports scientists. Want to know why Shaun White is even at the X Games? Well we won’t bring that up… all I can say is cash for gold.

But when it comes down to it, Shaun deserved to win. Throwing down a run that some may only dream about, with smooth style that would make it seem like it was just another day in the pipe. But contrary to what other platforms may have put out there, Shaun wasn’t the only one riding the halfpipe last night, a slew of other riders threw down. Kazu Kokubo in particular. According to one of the announcers, style doesn’t matter in the X Games. But if it did, Kazu would have been in contention for that gold medal without a doubt. With the amount of amplitude and style Kazu had, he could have given Shaun a run for his money.

R: Kazuhiro Kokubo. P: Ryan Hughes

Scotty Lago and Louie Vito trailed the Red Tomato or The Animal… who keeps up with celebrity gossip these days? They each put down solid runs, but the amplitude, one of the most overused words in halfpipe competitions, so we’ll say height…. was lacking. When it comes down to Scotty Lago’s case, the wire, the Winter X Games 15 superpipe snowboard competition is one of the most watched events in this week of craziness. And for good reason, these athletes are putting their life on the line for you, they deserve respect. Some may have higher expectations and ask when the quad cork is going to come out. But I will be content and say that the amount of progression that has come out of the men’s superpipe in the last year is mind boggling.

SNOWBOARDER Photo Editor Ryan Hughes snapped this pic. Usually we'd have a witty caption, but we are going to let you write the caption for this photo in the comments below. The best 3 captions will receive one of our ultra limited edition beanies.